Your Self Development Podcast

The law of Cause and Effect is well understood and makes sense: Take care of the causes, and the effects will take care of themselves. Some examples of causes can be a particular action or thought...or as we discuss in today's podcast, the right question. The better our questions, the better our results. It's not always easy to ask questions, let alone know if we are asking the right ones. But we've got to start somewhere, and if we do happen to ask an ineffective question, guess what? We get another shot at it! 

In the spirit of stumbling our way forward to success, let's take a look at, what I consider to be, one of our most consequential innate super powers - the ability to ask more and more effective questions!

If you're already a person with a positive outlook but are not getting the results you want, join us as we take a look at the "roll up your sleeves and get dirty" part of the positive thinking equation. Let's combine thought with clear, constructive, consistent action and make sure both our thoughts and our actions are in-harmony and working together for us as we aspire to be, do, and live more!

When you are trying to find your voice and understand who you truly are, your unique story, and the infinite potential residing within you, the manner in which we see ourselves plays an important role. In fact, it is THE most important factor in the kind of lives we will eventually lead. In the context of the "underdog" experience, how we see ourselves will determine how we deal with this uncomfortable encounter, and whether we eventually win through in the end, or not. How can we "live" the underdog experience positively, and maybe, dare I say, happily and purposefully? Join me today as we take a look at some helpful tips.

Love is the answer, isn't it?

Let's take a serious look at the critical role Love plays in our freely choosing to experience the Underdog Challenge. 

The "Comfort Zone" and "Doubt" - How can we better understand these twin challenges, and what strategies can we employ to break the grip they have on our lives and ultimately on our results?

When I was 15 I was thrust into a situation which, quite frankly, severely disrupted my happy adolescence in New York. Coming into my own, I was suddenly dropped to the bottom of the social and academic ladder, and had to find a way to climb back up. Although I had not chosen my circumstances, I still retained control over how I was going to respond. Was I going to throw up my hands and go with the flow, or was I going to stand my ground and strike my own way forward, embracing the underdog status in the process?

Obviously, I chose the latter - no mystery there! But what I learned along the way, and how it has influenced my life up to today, may encourage and embolden those faced with their own underdog threshold moment. 

Pulitzer prize winner and oral historian, Studs Terkel, made an interesting observation many years ago when he said that there are no such thing as ordinary people - just uncelebrated people. Every single one of us is capable of doing extraordinary things. If there is anything ordinary about us it is merely in our results. Results which are not a reflection of who we are, but of what we believe to be the truth about ourselves and our relationship with our goals.

In this vein, I think it's imperative to clarify that an "Underdog" is not a personality type, but it IS a type of experience - a fleeting one, as all experiences ultimately are. "This too shall pass" was not declared in jest! 

But the question remains: Why do some fail in their "underdog" quest while others succeed? What sets them apart? While the reasons can be many, we've pinpointed several pivotal ones which, if properly understood, and worked with, can increase your chances of authentically living that which you seek - that which placed you on the "underdog" path in the first place. 

I think it was educator, Napoleon Hill, who said that one's biggest victories usually happen one step beyond a massively devastating defeat. It's almost as if Life is checking us out, asking us THE question: "How badly do you want it?"

The story I am going to relate to you was, for this 12 year old, soul shaking and without a doubt, demoralising. The perfect opportunity to tuck tail between legs and scamper home to safety. But I didn't do that. And my sticking it out made all the difference...back then when it happened...and even today. I carry it like a badge of honour. And whenever I need to remind myself who I am, I retell the story...to myself, to my kids, to whomever will listen. 

It's a simple story, an accessible story, and maybe one you can relate to. Only one way to find out...thanks for listening.

If there's one thing I learned from listening to the great Studs Terkel it's that everyone has got a unique story. There are no "ordinary" people. But there are plenty of "uncelebrated" people, people whose stories go untold. 

Join us for today's episode as I share my own underdog story. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Dear Listener,

An Underdog is a Creator, acting to achieve an irresistibly compelling Goal with little if any concrete idea at the outset as to how they will reach it. 

In accordance with this definition, what are the benefits of periodically experiencing "underdog" status?

Join us for today's podcast to find out!

Yours in learning,

Norman